Kwara State University launches two new campuses

Kwara State University (KWASU) has announced the opening of its new campuses in Osi and Ilesha Baruba, with academic sessions set to commence soon.

The university’s spokesperson, Mansurat Amuda-Kannike, revealed in a statement on Sunday that the development follows significant infrastructure investments by the state government in the southern and northern senatorial districts where the campuses are located.

According to the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mary Arinde, the Osi campus is nearly ready, with 98% of construction completed. Students are expected to fully resume for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Arinde noted that the Department of Fine and Applied Arts under the newly established Faculty of Environmental Sciences will begin lectures at the Osi campus on Monday, while students in the Faculty of Agriculture at the Ilesha Baruba campus will commence studies in January.

During an inspection visit to the Osi campus, Arinde, accompanied by the Head of Osi Campus, Binta Sulyman, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, praised the progress and quality of the construction work.

“The quality of the work is outstanding. We are at the final stage, with over 98% completed. What remains are finishing touches, including road networks and environmental adjustments, which are currently underway,” Arinde said.

She highlighted that contractors are preparing to asphalt the roads and interlock surrounding areas to enhance the campus’s aesthetics.

Sulyman provided further updates, stating that essential facilities such as offices, studios, conference rooms, lecture halls, and a 1,500/2,000-seat auditorium are either completed or near completion. Additional amenities include car parks, shops, boreholes, electricity transformers, solar-powered streetlights, recreational spaces, a computer-based testing center, and an art gallery.

She added that staff and students of the Fine and Applied Arts Department have already relocated to the Osi campus and secured accommodations. “Lectures will begin next week, with more departments, including Estate Management, Urban and Regional Development, Geography, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, and Building, joining in January,” she said.

This development marks a significant step in KWASU’s expansion, aiming to enhance access to quality education and provide modern learning facilities.